Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Well, that was impressive, wasn’t it?
PRIME MINISTER: That was very impressive. You know, what you need is one of those wheels, though, with the flap, not a virtual one.
NAPIER: I wanted one.
PRIME MINISTER: I can do something about that.
NAPIER: Would you? And something about the fact that I have to bring my own tea bags.
PRIME MINISTER: We don’t interfere with the independence of the ABC. But surely the Government can give a directive about a wheel.
NAPIER: A chocolate wheel.
PRIME MINISTER: A chocolate wheel. That’s what they called. I was trying to think.
NAPIER: All right. To the business at hand.
PRIME MINISTER: Get one, borrow one, surely, make it then available for school fetes on Saturdays. This is how you integrate to the community in the finest tradition of the ABC.
NAPIER: You’re an ideas man.
PRIME MINISTER: Exactly.
NAPIER: That’s what I’m sensing.
PRIME MINISTER: This is vision.
NAPIER: If you like that idea, text me on 0467 922 917.
PRIME MINISTER: I’ll speak to Kim Williams.
NAPIER: Okay.
PRIME MINISTER: Get him on the phone now.
NAPIER: Big news overnight, your Government is investing $120 million in the Northern Heart Centre in Launceston. We’ll get to that. I just want to know, firstly, your morning routine, because if this was an announcement by John Howard, I’d be chasing his parachute pants on a walk around Seaport.
PRIME MINISTER: It was a bit chilly here this morning, I’ve got to say.
NAPIER: It was.
PRIME MINISTER: And so, you know, it was a bit chilly and a bit potentially wet as well.
NAPIER: And he does weather. We’ve got you in the studio and we do appreciate that. And, you know, all jokes aside with, with John Howard there, he was looking after his cardiovascular health. And this is what you’re doing.
PRIME MINISTER: Exactly.
NAPIER: The State Government says that it didn’t include funding for the Northern Heart Centre in the State Budget because it needs Federal funding. So, is this entirely federally funded?
PRIME MINISTER: This is. $120 million will make an enormous difference. It shouldn’t be the case that if you’re in Northern Tasmania and you need this sort of assistance, you have to cross Bass Strait and go to Melbourne. So, this will make an enormous difference here. It’s a significant investment. It’s been a priority of the Tasmanian Government, but it’s a part of what my Government wants to do as well, which is to strengthen Medicare and strengthen the health sector. And this will be an important investment that we’re making today.
NAPIER: Now, of course, Medicare and Mark Butler in the news today, is it time for a Medicare overhaul?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we are making an enormous difference with urgent care clinics here in Tasmania, including one right here in Launceston. What that has enabled us to do is to take pressure off emergency departments by giving people a mid-tier, if you like, in between the GP and when you need something more than a GP but you don’t need a life-threatening situation to end up clogging up EDs. You go to an urgent care clinic, you get the support that you need, when you need it, all you need is your Medicare card. That’s just one of the differences that we’ve made, as well as tripling bulk billing incentive has made a real difference as well. We know that that’s been a major issue here in Tasmania, so we are making those significant investments to improve healthcare and Medicare here in Tasmania.
NAPIER: So, speaking of making a difference, how will the Northern Heart Centre in Launceston address the current health service gaps in Tasmania?
PRIME MINISTER: What it will do is it will have its own dedicated lab that can diagnose and treat various heart conditions. It will allow patients to bypass emergency departments with its own access to the intensive care unit and things like medical imaging, so that you really take the pressure off EDs. It also will deliver more consultation rooms for diagnostic testing as well as outpatient consultation services. So, it will provide the full suite of services with regard to heart care. It is what it says. The Northern Heart Centre will be about looking after people’s hearts, not just in emergency situations, but importantly as well, of course, if you get early treatment, you can save money as well as save lives. So, this is a really sensible, practical solution. It was raised with me by the Premier. It’s an example of the Commonwealth working with state governments. And today as well, we’ll be talking about education with Tasmania. We have reached an agreement, the third state or territory too, for full schools funding according with the Gonski principles of bringing every public school in Tasmania up to full and fair funding. That will also include the agreement for better schools around curriculum and around the way that education is delivered in this state, as well as part of that agreement. And so Jason Clare, my Education Minister, is here in Tasmania with me this morning as well.
NAPIER: Cast of thousands. I saw you all arrive.
PRIME MINISTER: We are. Well, on education and health, they are two areas where you need cooperation from the Commonwealth and state governments. And it’s a good thing that we’ve been able to reach these agreements for the Heart Centre here in the north. But also on the schools agreement will be really positive today. I think it will be well-received to make sure that it brings up to 100 per cent of the funding agreement between now and over the next ten years. It will be a gradual increase in funding, but also because it’s about the way that education is taught as well, is important. It’s not just about money. It’s also about issues like curriculum and making sure that no child gets left behind. One of the things that I, the themes that I would have said in this room during the election campaign was we want no one to be left behind. And that is what this is about. And no one held back. Of course, we want people to reach the fullness of their potential, whether they’re living in Sydney or Melbourne or Launceston or a smaller town here in the north, Stanley or somewhere else.
NAPIER: Marcus sent a text saying, ‘Thank you so much, Prime Minister, for supporting our community, a heart centre, whilst our local government is wasting money on a stadium, you’re actually supporting our people. Very much appreciated and respected’. It would be remiss of me not to bring that up this morning, Prime Minister. The budget for the Macquarie Point Stadium, it’s now at $775 million. That doesn’t include $55 million of revenue generating features like a kitchen or LED advertising signage, plus the underground car park, just to name a few. Are you happy with how that project is tracking?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, the Tasmanian Government, of course, have responsibility for the project. What we’ve done is make a contribution as part of urban redevelopment of the Mac Point site. I put funds, $50 million aside for the Tasmanian Government to develop urban redevelopment back in 2012.
NAPIER: So, that money’s been put aside.
PRIME MINISTER: The truth is that was given in 2012 and frankly, not much happened. And you go to Mac Point and you know that it is one of the most pristine, fantastic sites for urban redevelopment in Australia. And I think that you have to view it as a site as a whole. Just like in my city of Sydney, Barangaroo has been extraordinary development.
NAPIER: It’s our Sydney Harbour, really, isn’t it?
PRIME MINISTER: Exactly. Southbank, of course, there are various precincts around our waterways that when colonies were founded, were used essentially for industry and for waste to go out into the water, let’s call it for what it is. That’s why industry was by the water. We’ve learned since then, and I think that this could, if it’s got right, be such an exciting development where the Hobart city will flow all the way down into that magnificent waterfront at the Derwent.
NAPIER: It is four to eight. My guest is Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. We are running out of time, so just if we can answer these really quickly. Do you accept the State will have to use your money directly on building the stadium?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, our money is for the entire precinct, including for that. And we think that it has laid waste, frankly, for too long and something needs to happen with that site. And we certainly are very supportive of Tasmania having a team in the AFL.
NAPIER: Okay, three minutes left. So, when will your Government make a decision about whether to review salmon farming operations in Macquarie Harbour? Another huge issue for the State.
PRIME MINISTER: We support the salmon industry. That’s the first point. We think that’s really important that it be able to continue. It’s also important that the environment be looked after. And there are some promising signs with the skate, I’ve got to say.
NAPIER: The Maugean skate.
PRIME MINISTER: The Maugean skate.
NAPIER: When will Tanya Plibersek make a decision on that? Will it be before the next Federal election?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, as you know, it is the Environment Minister alone who makes that decision. So, it’s not up to me to answer. It’s not a Cabinet decision. But we want to work with industry to make sure that the Maugean skate can continue to exist. It is, of course, a threatened species, but also we want to make sure that the industry and those jobs continue to exist as well. And I’m sure that both things can be achieved.
NAPIER: All right, very quickly, Larissa Smith from our Country Hour says fishermen are getting pretty frustrated with China’s ongoing ban on live rock lobsters. She wants to know why is it taking so long to lift trade barriers in 30 seconds or less?
PRIME MINISTER: We want it to be done. We’ve had $20 billion lifted compared with when the former Government was in office. So, we’ve done timber and resources and barley and wine, a range of products. So, we are getting there. We’ve improved relations. And I’ve made it clear to my Chinese counterparts that it is in their interest to receive the wonderful products that come from Australia.
NAPIER: Speaking of products, finally, everybody is worried about the cost of living and obviously the cost of things at supermarkets. We had a call from Carl who says a box of coke costs $50. Where are we travelling in cost of living as a country? 30 seconds.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we need to do more. We know people are under pressure and we know that the supermarkets have been taken to court now by the ACCC for misleading, for basically having a lend of Australian customers. And we’ll take strong action against them. And we’ve also mandated the code of conduct so that customers are looked after.
NAPIER: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, thank you for your time. One final question. AFL Grand Final. Brisbane Lions or Sydney?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, Sydney of course.
NAPIER: You can’t do that. You’re in Tasmania. Chris Fagan is your Tassie bloke.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, you know, I’m actually a Hawthorn supporter.
NAPIER: Oh, good.
PRIME MINISTER: We’re a happy team at Hawthorn. We were pretty happy with the season. But the Swannies, I think they’re a very good thing. They’ve been the best team all year.
NAPIER: We’ll see on Saturday.
PRIME MINISTER: Lions have done well to get through from the bottom four to win three, three in a row.
NAPIER: You’ll be there. I’ll be watching. Swans for the Prime Minister. Brisbane for me. Thank you so much for your time. Enjoy your day in Launceston.
PRIME MINISTER: Terrific to chat with you.
